- The Kool Glacier LNG carrier was successfully retrofitted with a re-liquefaction system to reduce boil-off gas and improve efficiency.
- Completed ahead of schedule, the project marks CoolCo’s second retrofit, with three more vessels planned for similar upgrades.
- The collaboration between Lloyd’s Register, CoolCo, and HD Hyundai Marine Solution was key to the project’s success, supporting both operational goals and sustainability efforts.
Lloyd’s Register (LR), Cool Company Ltd. (CoolCo), and HD Hyundai Marine Solution (HD HMS) have completed a major retrofit on the Kool Glacier, a 162,000 CBM LNG carrier owned by CoolCo. The project, carried out at Yiu Lian Dockyard (Shekou) in China, marks a key milestone in improving the sustainability and efficiency of LNG shipping. By installing the ALaT TBF 1800 sub-cooling re-liquefaction system, the vessel can now effectively manage boil-off gas (BOG), a long-standing challenge in LNG transport, as reported in the press release by Lloyd’s Register.
Project Completion and Fleet Expansion
The Kool Glacier retrofit was completed ahead of schedule, with commissioning and cold testing wrapped up before the vessel’s departure on March 16, 2025. It later completed successful gas trials during a loaded voyage from Papua New Guinea to Thailand in early May. Lloyd’s Register played a key role by providing thorough technical oversight and flexible classification support, helping ensure the timely delivery of the vessel.
This marks the second re-liquefaction retrofit in CoolCo’s fleet, following similar work on the Kool Husky. CoolCo plans to upgrade a total of five vessels with sub-coolers, with two more retrofits already scheduled. As the shipping industry faces rising regulatory demands and a stronger focus on fuel efficiency, interest in similar retrofit solutions is expected to grow.
Leaders Highlight Partnership and Progress
Jose Navarro, Global Gas Technology Director at Lloyd’s Register, highlighted LR’s commitment to helping LNG operators meet efficiency and environmental goals through timely, solution-oriented support.
Richard Tyrrell, CEO of CoolCo, noted that LR’s technical knowledge and flexibility were key to meeting project timelines, especially in managing regulatory requirements. He pointed out that CoolCo is halfway through its sub-cooler retrofit program, with two more LR-classed vessels scheduled for upgrades.
Kidong Lee, CEO of HD Hyundai Marine Solution, reflected on the timely completion of both the Kool Glacier and the earlier retrofit, emphasizing HD HMS’s growing reputation as a reliable partner in the industry’s move toward more sustainable operations.
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Source: LloydsRegister
